For the many individuals who suffer from hair loss, Strip Extraction often comes to mind among the top choices when preparing to undergo a hair restoration procedure. It is one of the most popular and effective techniques, dating back to 1988, when Masumi Inaba of Japan introduced the use of a 1 mm needle for extracting follicular units, which are naturally occurring groups of hair. Fast forward one year when this method was successfully performed on patients for the first time by Dr. Ray Woods in Australia.

Though it is an extremely effective and safe method of hair restoration, very few surgeons possess the skills that would enable them to perform Strip Extraction because of the complexity and preciseness that the procedure requires, in addition to the high standard of expertise needed.

From the patient’s standpoint, however, Strip Extraction has many benefits over other procedures performed for hair restoration, including:

• A faster recovery time
• Decreased post-operative pain and discomfort
• Minimal downtime, as the patient is able to resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours following the procedure.

During the three to six hour procedure, during which the patient remains alert and awake – and can often eat, drink and watch television—the surgeons remove narrow strips of hair once removed the hair is dissected and transplanted individually to areas of hair loss or hair thinning. The hair that encases these strips is then sutured together, and any scarring that remains will be covered with the surrounding hair. Permanent hair growth can be noticed within two to three months; significant growth can be expected within six months and complete hair growth can be achieved in nine months to one year.

The Strip Extraction procedure is less costly than many other hair restoration procedures and allows the physician to work on a larger area of hair in a single session. Additionally, patients may be satisfied with just one treatment, compared to the multiple sessions that other methods may require, though use of medications designed to aid hair restoration, such as Rogaine® and Propecia® can not only prevent further loss of the patient’s hair, but also may minimize the need for subsequent procedures.

The Strip Extraction procedure consists of two steps. The first is when the surgeon removes a strip of scalp, and then under a microscope, extracts individual follicular units. Great care is taken during this process to ensure that no follicular units are damaged.

Perhaps the biggest advantage to Strip Extraction is most apparent in the excellent results often obtained. Generally, this procedure can produce the most natural looking appearance but in less time and at less cost than with some other types of procedures.

Hair loss can be a result of many factors: genetics, medical conditions, medication, childbirth and stress, to name a few. And if not treated, it can cause a lifetime of embarrassment and decreased self-confidence, particularly in social situations. For many patients, the thought of undergoing a hair restoration procedure seems enticing, but they often can be overwhelmingly ridden with anxiety at the thought of having surgery.

Fortunately, there is one minimally invasive hair restoration technique that stands out above all others and may appeal particularly to patients who hesitate to undergo a surgical procedure.

Follicular unit extraction, FUE, when performed with the NeoGraft automated hair transplant system, is not only the newest hair restoration method available today, but it also is the most effective type of minimally invasive surgery available for hair loss sufferers.
What does this mean for patients? Lower costs, faster recovery and minimal discomfort when compared to other methods of hair restoration, just to name a few. Other benefits of minimally invasive hair restoration include:
• A decreased amount of activity restrictions following treatment
• A return to work in about one day
• FUE performed with NeoGraft transplants twice as many hair grafts compared to manual FUE
• No unsightly linear scar, even when hair is worn short
• No numbness feeling in areas of donor hair grafts
• No stitches or staples required
• FUE with NeoGraft also can transplant other body hair, eyebrows and scar revisions from previous transplants
• Lower risk of complications

Just as important as the benefits of minimally invasive hair restoration surgery, it also is important for the patient to find the right surgeon. To obtain the most pleasant and effective results, patients should consider the expertise of the physician performing the minimally invasive surgery and their artistic abilities at designing a pleasing hairline. It is critical that the surgeon has extensive knowledge and expertise in both areas to achieve optimal results.

For patients who suffer from the embarrassment and effects of damaged self-esteem from hair loss, but who do not want to undergo an extensive type of hair restoration treatment, NeoGraft may be the ideal option for patients who desire something less invasive than traditional hair restoration procedures.

NeoGraft, considered “game changing” technology for hair loss patients, is the first minimally invasive automated hair transplant system designed to enhance a person’s overall appearance by building a thicker, fuller head of hair.

There are many benefits of NeoGraft, making it one of the most popular choices among hair restoration patients:

• NeoGraft is the least invasive procedure of its kind.

• There are no scalpel incisions, sutures or linear scars required.

• Hair restoration physicians can treat large areas in a single session, which reduces the need for multiple procedures.

• Because of its minimally invasive approach, NeoGraft offers fast recovery — faster than many other hair restoration procedures.

Perhaps most importantly, NeoGraft was designed to help the physician overcome some of the limitations often experienced with manual FUE procedures. For starters, an FUE transplant performed without the NeoGraft automated hair transplant system is done manually, which is quite time consuming and tedious for the physician, and ultimately results in higher costs to the patient. In addition, the FUE procedure can be difficult for some physicians to learn, and unless he or she is especially skilled, there is a risk for a high transection rate of the follicles. Finally, procedures done without the NeoGraft system require the use of forceps, which can damage the follicles during extraction and implantation. As a result of all of these restrictions, most physicians will opt to use the more invasive and costly follicular unit transplantation, or FUT, method.

However, FUE procedures performed with the NeoGraft automated system device can be done in the same amount of time as a FUT/STRIP method, which reduces the cost. Additionally, NeoGraft employs a “no touch” approach, as it uses pneumatic pressure to extract and implant the follicles, eliminating the need for forceps that can cause damage. And, the transection rate is very low during NeoGraft procedures.

The NeoGraft automated hair transplant device allows the physician to offer the latest and most advanced method of hair restoration while overcoming many of the boundaries in place with traditional FUE methods. And patients can be assured of undergoing the best in hair restorative techniques without enduring a prolonged recovery period, high costs, or extensive healing.